The Family Letter

Today was one of those low-environmental impact kinds of days. Yesterday, too, come to think of it. Yesterday evening I walked to the symphony in the evening, rather than driving and fighting for parking and all that. And then got a ride back with two people going in the direction of home. So some walking, some car-pooling.

Today I decided to get up and use the IHOP gift card I got for New Year's. The closest IHOP is in Waikiki, where parking is notoriously awful. So I hopped on The Bus (see the route here). After breakfast (way too much food) I was going to take The Bus again, but decided to walk to my next destination, the downtown blood bank. I wasn't in the best footwear for the trek (Birks), but it was good to burn off a little of the breakfast. I was way too early, so I took my time and even stopped in the State Library for a bit of a browse, and to request The Golden Compass¹ Finished the walk to the blood bank and gave blood, and then took The Bus back to the church (route here). I could have walked again, but between the Birks and the donation, decided to just let someone else drive.

Back to the symphony. Two pieces were performed: The Sanctus and Agnus Dei from Roberto Sierra's Missa Latina. Wonderful! Unfortunately the piece isn't on iTunes, so I'm going to have to dig around to find it. And then Beethoven's 9th. Had some good soloists and the symphonic chorus, and a very nice seat (if you look here, I was right behind the letter "G" on the left in the balcony–right at the railing, people only on my left), so it was a good evening.

The symphony, by the way, is living in tough times. Musicians without paychecks, lots of that sort of thing. They're starting to pull it out, but it would be a shame if they failed… So if you want to throw some support their way, please feel free.

Here's to walking and public transportation!

1. Me and everyone else. Despite having a dozen or so copies in the system, I'm number 31 in the queue. [back]

Here's a new way to get your message out there. In small print, and probably to a very limited audience. But you never know who may inadvertently inhale or swallow it on New Year's Eve!

…it really does exist:

http://www.jazzdietpepsi.com/

May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature
upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness
of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of
the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of
the Gospel.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to
earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever.

Amen!

(For the record, the day started with rain, as often it does in this area and this time of year. But is is now, indeed, a "bright, Hawaiian Christmas Day!" Blue skies, that clean smell after a hard rain, gentle breeze. Good stuff. I still miss the snow, but I have to admit that it is harder to miss it on days like this.)

No, this isn't going to be a day in the life post. But enough "ordinary" things happened today to merit a bit of a recap. There was church, of course, Eucharist at 0730 and Lessons and Carols (sans Eucharist) at 1015. Then the routine of lunch and a nap/reading. Then a walk.

I've decided to try to get to know the area around my new home/church better, and start working my way back into shape, by going out for walks, daily if possible. Last evening after dinner I went mauka¹ for a bit, then diamond head, then makai, and back to the house. The route went through some residential areas, past Punaho School, and along Beretania Street, which is mostly commercial. You can see that route here. That one taught me that the nearest grocery store is quite easily in walking distance, which will be nice.

This afternoon I had a different goal in mind: Punchbowl National Cemetery. I can see it from my lanai, and even more easily from the church. It really isn't far, and since I've spent a lot of time there–either with visiting friends being a tourist or doing internments as a chaplain–I thought it migh